Trump to Halt Federal Payments to Sanctuary Cities
President Donald Trump announced that his administration would cease federal funding to sanctuary cities and states starting February 1. He cited these jurisdictions as places that protect criminals and contribute to issues like fraud and crime.
During a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump explained that this decision targets areas that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. He described it as part of his administration’s broader effort to tackle fraud.
“After February 1st, we will not make any payments to sanctuary cities or states with sanctuary policies because they are doing everything to protect criminals at the expense of the American people,” Trump remarked. “This not only fosters crime but also leads to all sorts of other problems. So, we won’t be funding anyone who supports the sanctuary,” he added.
Trump also took a swipe at Minnesota officials during his comments about prevalent fraud in the state. “Minnesota has a lot of scammers, and we have stopped payments associated with them,” Trump stated. “It’s a great state—was a great state, but it’s now being ruined by that foolish governor.”
He accused Governor Tim Walz of corruption, asserting that such fraud should not escape the attention of state leadership.
This action follows a recent decision by a federal judge who temporarily blocked the Trump administration from cutting subsidies related to childcare programs in five states, including Minnesota, amid fraud allegations.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian did not address the legality of halting these funds directly, but mentioned that the states met legal requirements to maintain the “status quo” of funding for at least two weeks while legal discussions are ongoing.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also announced it would suspend funding for programs in five Democratic-led states, citing concerns of fraud and misuse of federal funds. These programs include the Child Care and Development Fund, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and the Social Services Block Grant.
“Families who rely on child care and family support programs must trust that these resources are utilized legally and for their intended purposes,” said Health Department Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill in a statement.
States involved in the legal challenge included California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, with each asserting in court that the federal government lacked legal authority to cut off funding.
